Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has warned that Tehran will “rain down hell” if the United States resumes attacks. He issued Washington an ultimatum in an attempt to end the two countries’ eight-month war.
In a post on X on Sunday, Araghchi said: “Our 2-day proposal stands: meet the requirements, including end to war on all fronts, and you will see results.” He added that the alternative was war, and warned that Iran’s “alert and battle-hardened warriors” would rain down hell.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that renewed strikes on Iran were “highly unlikely” if negotiations progressed over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking in a phone interview, he said the outcome “depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement.”
US military posture and Iran’s counter-threats
Trump said three US aircraft carriers in the region were “fully locked and loaded” and ready to continue strikes if needed. He also said US forces had 38 bridges in Iran’s crosshairs that they “can knock down in literally one hour.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry separately quoted Araghchi in a statement on Sunday saying Iran would “not go easy on American targets” in the region.
Tanker fire and Revolutionary Guard warnings
State media reported that an oil tanker caught fire earlier on Sunday morning after hitting a naval mine east of the Strait of Hormuz, citing Iran’s navy. The navy claimed the ship’s identification systems had been switched off and that it was travelling in the no-go zone of the strait.
An adviser to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Aerospace Force echoed the foreign minister’s threats and said weapons had been “secured for years to come.” In a statement on Telegram, IRGC Brigadier-General Ali Belali warned: “The armed forces are at the ready, and if the enemy makes a mistake, Iran’s response will be devastating and severe.” Belali said Iran had “upgraded our capabilities” in the post-Ramadan War period.
Talks stalled as Iran waits on the next step
The exchange of threats follows US midterm elections in which the Democratic Party won control of both chambers of Congress, soundly defeating Trump’s Republican Party. Araghchi alleged that negotiations had been delayed as a result of the elections, state media reported.
The foreign minister said it would take time for conditions to become suitable for mediators to resume their visits. “We have to wait,” he said.
